👉 The northwest fumes refer to the lingering, often unpleasant odors and pollutants that can be carried by winds from the northern and northwestern regions of the United States, particularly from areas like Alaska, Canada, and the Great Lakes. These fumes typically include compounds such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, which can travel long distances due to atmospheric conditions. In regions downwind, these pollutants can exacerbate air quality issues, leading to health concerns like respiratory problems and visibility reduction. Efforts to mitigate northwest fumes often focus on reducing emissions from industrial sources, vehicles, and natural events like wildfires, while also improving regional air quality monitoring and management strategies.
